As a recording artist, you may be in the process of working with an Atlanta-based producer or studio to improve on your music. However, your talent is only part of the equation.
Whether you are an independent musician or considering a label partnership, you need to safeguard your revenue along with your art. Understanding the business and legal landscape in Georgia is crucial to building a sustainable career.
Decoding the 360 deal
These contracts allow labels to take a percentage of all revenue streams, including touring, merchandise and endorsements. Since these deals can affect a lot of your income, reviewing the contract carefully is vital.
Paying close attention to carve-outs, as these can exclude certain earnings from the label’s share. Checking the difference between gross and net income in your contract can also tell you how much money you actually keep.
Mastering copyright and ownership
When creating music, many artists tend to overlook the legal rights of their songs. Making music is one thing, but who actually controls it, how it can be used and who earns from it are also important.
Any song you make has two separate protective rights: the composition and the master recording. The composition is the song itself (lyrics, melody and structure) while the master recording is the final version people listen to. Knowing the difference helps you set clear limits in negotiations. You can let a label license or own the master they paid to record, while firmly keeping 100% of your composition rights and publishing.
Copyright starts automatically when you create an original work, though you need federal registration to fully protect and enforce your rights. Being careful with work-for-hire clauses also helps prevent you from losing your rights, royalties or control of your songs. Making sure these terms are clearly defined in the contract can help you establish ownership and protect your music.
Safeguarding the art you made
As you move forward in your career, protecting your legal rights is just as important as the music you create. Georgia law allows you to put yourself in a stronger position to negotiate with record labels and safeguard your income. A lawyer can help you review and understand any agreement before you sign it.